Much has been said and speculated about Mayawati's alliance with SP leader Akhilesh Yadav since their announcement on 12 January but one of the most controversial comments was made by BJP MLA Sadhna Singh at a rally in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. Singh called the BSP supremo "worse than a eunuch" and that she had "sold her dignity" in exchange for power".
BJP MLA Sadhna Singh. ANI
Not surprising then that Singh's shocking comments have drawn severe criticism even as a police complaint has been filed against her by the BSP and the National Commission for Women pulling her up, seeking an official explanation from her.
NCW issues a notice to BJP MLA Sadhna Singh over her remarks on BSP Chief Mayawati. NCW states 'remarks are extremely offensive, unethical& shows disrespect towards dignity&respect of women.' NCW has asked her to 'provide a satisfactory explanation to the Commission.' (file pic) pic.twitter.com/hCD03kC9Dm
— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019
BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra called Singh "mentally ill" and said that the SP-BSP alliance has rattled BJP leaders.
Uttar Pradesh MLA Sadhana Singh is "mentally ill", said BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra, after the MLA from Mughalsarai called Mayawati "a person worse than an eunuch" Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/MxFBQ1fn4h pic.twitter.com/yWEW1wkGvk — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 19, 2019
Akhilesh Yadav also took to Twitter to condemn the statement. "The kind words used by used for Mayawati by BJP's woman MLA from Mughalsarai is highly objectionable. I condemn the statement. BJP has become completely bankrupt when it comes to morals. They are just frustrated. The statement is an insult to the women of the country."
मुगलसराय से भाजपा की महिला विधायक ने जिस तरह के आपत्तिजनक अपशब्द सुश्री मायावती जी के लिए प्रयोग किए हैं वे घोर निंदनीय हैं. ये भाजपा के नैतिक दिवालियापन और हताशा का प्रतीक है. ये देश की महिलाओं का भी अपमान है. — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) January 19, 2019
A member of Uttar Pradesh's 17th Legislative Assembly, Singh represents the Mughalsarai constituency in Chandauli district. Hours after the video in which Singh lashes out at Mayawati was released, the clip was widely shared on social media. She can be heard saying: "I don't think Uttar Pradesh's former chief minister is a woman or a man. She doesn't understand the concept of dignity. Draupadi was a victim of sexual misconduct. She vowed to get revenge. That was a self-respecting woman. Look at this woman. Everything was looted from her, despite which she sold all her dignity to get power."
#WATCH:BJP MLA Sadhna Singh says about BSP chief Mayawati, "jis din mahila ka blouse, petticoat, saari phat jaaye, wo mahila na satta ke liye aage aati hai. Usko pure desh ki mahila kalankit maanti hai.Wo to kinnar se bhi jyada badtar hai, kyunki wo to na nar hai, na mahila hai." pic.twitter.com/w3Cdizd8eR — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 19, 2019
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment and Republican Party chief, Ramdas Athawale, was quoted by ANI, as saying, "Our party is with BJP, but we don't agree with disrespectful remarks against Mayawati. She is a strong lady of our Dalit community and a good administrator. I would've definitely taken action if it was someone from our party". While the Congress was left out of the SP-BSP alliance, described Singh's comments as "disturbing". Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted:
One may have differences on issues and ideas but it disturbing: -That this lady represents the ruling party in UP-BJP (not surprising) -To hear a lady speak in such a derogatory way about another lady -To see people in the audience cheering such words https://t.co/QSXsLDAM5b — Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) January 19, 2019
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi also took to Twitter and said the saffron party "accommodates" candidates who "love to abuse the minorities".
7 criminal cases against the BJP MLA who made the derogatory remark against Mayawati. BJP as a party accommodates maximum number of criminals who also love abusing the minorities. — Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) January 21, 2019
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti called Singh's statement "repulsive and regressive" and said Mayawati has always been "ridiculed with the choicest of casteist and sexist remarks".
Repulsive & regressive.Mayawati ji despite her humble beginnings is an icon and role model for Dalits. Yet she has always been ridiculed with the choicest casteist and sexist insults. We women should empower and lift each other up instead of being at each others throats. https://t.co/ApTXJMEyFk — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) January 20, 2019
In another tweet, Mufti went on to condemn the Centre for slapping sedition charges on JNU students' union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and others while not taking action against its own MLAs. and others in the 2016 sedition case
Especially strange since the GoI would rather round up JNU students under anti sedition laws. But their own MLA can deride hurl abuses at a four time CM and accomplished politician like Mayawati and get away with it. https://t.co/AKeq4D4xMA — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) January 21, 2019
Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi called for immediate expulsion of Singh from the BJP even as he said her comments reflect "frustration and fear" within the saffron party.
#Mayawati ji is the epitome of women empowerment & the nation's political future. The indecent comment made by BJP MLA Sadhna Singh indicates the frustration & fear within her party. BJP should immediately expell her & initiate criminal proceedings. — Ajit Jogi (@ajitjogi_cg) January 20, 2019
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Updated Date: Jan 21, 2019 13:24:00 IST
